The influence of climate change on an endangered riparian plant species: The root of riparian Homonoia

The root of riparian Homonoia (RRH), a medical plant with high economic value, is mainly distributed at riparian area in Southeast Asia. Its population has declined significantly, and the species has become endangered in recent decades. Understanding the habitat requirement, evaluating the habitat quality, and predicting its potential habitat are significant for protecting this species. Here, 223 occurrence records of the RRH were collected globally. The key eco-factors influencing species distribution were selected based on correlation analysis and principal component analysis. Habitat suitability simulation found on four climate-warming scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5), given by IPCC. The results found that both the suitable area and the suitability of the RRH habitat increase as the climate warming. The increasing range achieved a maximum at RCP4.5.